Pathway Support Services, LLC
Navigating with Care and Support
Children & Family Support Specialist
(Supervised Visitation | Therapeutic Support | Youth Support)
- Job Title: Children & Family Support Specialist
- Department: Family Support Services
- Reports To: Executive Director
- Location: Connecticut (various locations including Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland, Windham and surrounding areas)
- Employment Type: Per Diem / Part-Time
Schedule: Flexible scheduling including days, evenings, and weekends
About Pathway Support Services
Pathway Support Services (PSS) is a Department of Children and Families (DCF) credentialed agency providing supervised visitation, youth support, and therapeutic support services throughout Connecticut.
Our work focuses on helping children and families build safe, stable, and supportive relationships while ensuring services are delivered in accordance with DCF policies and State of Connecticut guidelines.
We are seeking caring, dependable, and responsible professionals who are passionate about supporting children and families while maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and compassion.
Position Overview
Child & Family Support Specialists provide direct support to children, youth, and families involved with DCF and related support services. Staff may provide services in one or more of the following areas depending on agency needs and qualifications.
Youth Support Services
Youth Support Specialists provide mentorship and skill-building support to children and youth who may need additional guidance in developing social skills, positive behavior, and decision-making abilities.
Youth receiving these services may not have a clinical diagnosis, but benefit from structured support and positive role modeling.
Therapeutic Support Services
Therapeutic Support Specialists provide structured behavioral and emotional support to children and adolescents who have a diagnosed behavioral health or emotional condition.
Services focus on reinforcing therapeutic goals and helping youth develop:
- Emotional regulation
- Coping strategies
- Social interaction skills
- Positive behavioral patterns
Supervised Visitation Services
Supervised Visitation Specialists facilitate and monitor safe and structured visits between children and their parents or relatives when visitation must occur in a supervised setting.
The specialist ensures visits occur in a safe, supportive environment while documenting interactions and providing objective observations that support the child’s case plan.
Key Responsibilities
Child and Youth Engagement
- Provide one-on-one supervision and support to children and youth.
- Serve as a positive role model and mentor.
- Foster a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.
Skill Building and Behavioral Support
- Plan and facilitate age-appropriate activities that support:
- Social skill development
- Emotional regulation
- Positive behavior
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Reinforce treatment goals for youth receiving therapeutic services.
Supervised Visitation Facilitation
- Monitor visits between children and parents or relatives.
- Ensure visits remain safe, structured, and child-focused.
- Maintain professional boundaries and enforce visitation guidelines when necessary.
Transportation
- Safely transport children to and from visits or service locations when required.
- Follow all agency transportation and safety policies.
Observation and Documentation
- Observe interactions and behaviors during services.
- Complete accurate and objective documentation following each visit or service session.
- Submit required reports to supervisors and DCF social workers within established timelines.
Collaboration and Communication
- Work collaboratively with:
- DCF social workers
- Families and caregivers
- Clinical providers
- Supervisors and agency staff
- Participate in case reviews, team meetings, and treatment planning when required.
Safety and Compliance
- Follow all Pathway Support Services policies and DCF guidelines.
- Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and Connecticut regulations.
- Respond appropriately to safety concerns and emergencies.
Professional Development
- Participate in required training including:
- Trauma-informed care
- Mandated reporting
- Cultural competency
- Child development
- Behavioral support strategies
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Candidates may qualify through a combination of education and experience including:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Human Services, or related field
OR
- Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience working with children or youth
Equivalent experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Valid Connecticut driver's license
- Reliable transportation
- Current motor vehicle insurance with minimum coverage of $50,000 / $100,000
- Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
- Ability to pass all required background checks including:
- Connecticut Child Abuse and Neglect Registry
- State and federal criminal background checks
- Sex offender registry
Skills and Attributes
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
- Strong observation and documentation skills
- Cultural sensitivity and professionalism
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Commitment to supporting children and families
Work Environment
Services may take place in:
- DCF offices
- Family homes
- Community locations
- Supervised visitation sites
- Schools or recreational settings
Travel throughout Connecticut may be required.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift or assist children up to 50 pounds
- Ability to drive for extended periods
- Ability to actively engage in recreational and community activities with youth
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pathway Support Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Education:
Experience:
- Working with children: 3 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- First Aid Certification (Required)
- car insurance policy ( minimum coverage of $50,000/$100,000) (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
